BUSH ALASKAThird World of the U.S.

Definition

Hospitalist/General Pediatrician

Eagle Pass, TX/Portland, OR/Bethel, AK

Prescreened to work in Alaska

Locum Tenens

Yukon Kuskokwim Delta-Alaska

Bethel, Alaska

Google- “armpit of Alaska” 850 miles west of Anchorage Population- 6500 (70% Native American-

Yu’pik, Chu’pik and Athabascan) Six miles of roads- transportation in/out by

barge(summer only) or plane Taxi capital of North America Permafrost/tundra Milk-$6, Orange Juice-$15 Airport-signs are in Yu’pik

Bethel, Alaska

Indian Health Service One hospital/main clinic/satellite clinics Service area-size of state of Oregon/56

villages/40,000 people Health Aides Medical students/Residents(FP) Medivac/bush plane Clinic appts-boat or airplane

Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation

YKHC Hospital-50 beds

Clinic Appointment Transport

Mekoryuk Air Strip-Medivac

Pediatric Clinic

Hospital Service

On Call

Medivac

Pediatrics-YKHC

Iqmik Aalsma Subsistence living Fish camp Tribal law Honey bucket Dried beaver testicles

Local Terms

Subsistence Living

Yu’pik/Chu’pik/Athabascan Mothers have 12-14 children-keep 6 Breastfeeding uncommon-high Vit D

deficiency Level of education Intermarriage common Immunocompromised

Patient Population

Traditional Dress-Quaspegs

Mukluks

Endemic TB Adrenogenital Syndrome Community Acquired MRSA HIV Pneumonia(7x in first 12 mos life) Bronchiectasis Otitis Media with Perforation Botulism

Common Medical Problems

32 week premature infant-phone resuscitation/4wheeler and plane transport

Coding a 2 month old over the phone

Seizure disorder-out of medication

Child abuse-physical/sexual

Cases

Kipnuk, Alaska

Kipnuk-Preemie Medivac

Typical Housing-Bethel

Bethel Cemetery

Walrus tusks

Questions